Complete Streets Initiative Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Lee County Complete Streets Initiative?

The Lee County Complete Streets Initiative is a series of multi-modal pathway projects designed to fill gaps in the existing bicycle and pedestrian transportation network. The goal of the project is to help build uninterrupted bike and pedestrian routes through Lee County, making these modes of transportation safer and more enjoyable for all users.

What improvements are being made as part of this initiative?

What’s the total project cost?

$10.4 Million

How is the project funded?

The program is funded with a Federal TIGER Grant (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery), awarded in 2013. The selective TIGER Grant program funds transportation capital improvement projects. These grants are awarded by the Federal Government for projects that have significant impact on the nation, a region, or metropolitan area such as Lee County.

What is a TIGER grant?

TIGER Grants Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery fund transportation capital improvement projects and are awarded to projects that have significant impacts on the nation, a region, or metropolitan area.

What is a Complete Street?

“Complete Streets” are designed considering all users. These uses include walking, bicycling, transit, driving and more. The goal is to promote safety, enable access by people of all ages and abilities, and create attractive streets and places. Complete Streets look different in each community and are determined by the diverse needs of the community.

What will the projects accomplish?

The new pathways help fill gaps in the existing infrastructure, making pedestrian and bike travel throughout the county more unified. This Complete Streets Initiative fully integrates three major sections of Lee County’s multimodal transportation network, meaning you can walk or ride a bike from downtown Fort Myers to Collier County on pathways designed for bicycles and pedestrians.

How does this project benefit the community?

In addition to safety improvements, recent studies have shown that more and more visitors are choosing bikeable and walkable vacation destinations. The improvements also make Lee County more appealing to businesses looking to relocate and attract people who prefer to walk, bike or utilize transit.

How will this project improve safety for bikers and pedestrians?

The new bike lanes, sidewalks and shared-use paths will provide bikers and pedestrians dedicated pathways along Lee County’s roads, taking them off the streets and making travel safer for all. In addition, safety enhancements at school zones, transit stops, and along sidewalks will make Lee County’s roads a safer place for pedestrians, including near San Carlos Elementary School.

When did work start?

Designing the improvements started in June 2013. Construction started in July 2015.

When will the project be finished?

Several areas are nearing completion. The entire project is scheduled to be complete in early 2017.

What’s being built?

The Lee County Metropolitan Planning Organizations Complete Streets Initiative adds 12.6 miles of new bike lanes, shared-use pathways and sidewalks to Lee County’s bike and pedestrian transportation networks. The new facilities are being built to fill in the gaps where there are currently no pathways. Please visit the individual project pages to find out more about each section.

Where is working taking place?

Work on the project is ongoing, please visit the “news” section for the most-up-to date information about our progress and maps.

Who is working on the project?

The Lee County Metropolitan Planning Organization has contracted with Atkins Global to oversee the entire project. Hole Montes is the primary project designer and Owen-Ames-Kimball Co. (OAK) is the contractor building the project.

Construction FAQs

Sanibel Boulevard Construction

What should we expect during construction?

During construction crews will be on-site primarily Monday through Friday during daytime hours. To make these improvements, there will be active construction zones along several roadways in the area. Crews will work off the roadway or along the travel lanes in the County’s right-of-way. While every effort will be made to minimize impacts, residents and businesses may experience some inconvenience.

How will I be notified of construction activities in my area?

Residents and business operators will be notified of construction activities via door hangers, in person and printed notices. Construction representatives will coordinate with those affected by driveway closures, mailbox relocation and landscaping removal if they are necessary.

Work will take place within County right-of-way, which is property owned by the County to use for utilities and other infrastructure needs. The right-of-way includes the road and a portion of areas on either side of the roadway.

Will my driveway be removed near the new sidewalk?

To ensure a smooth connection to the new sidewalks, some driveways will be replaced between the roadway and sidewalk. If necessary, driveways will be closed for approximately three to five days for construction. The contractor will notify residents occupying the property prior to work taking place.

Will the property in front of a residence or business be restored once construction is complete?

Yes, sod will be replaced. If driveways are removed within the right-of-way they will be restored to previous conditions.

Do trees need to be removed if they are in the right-of-way?

If your property has any landscape materials, trees, shrubs, decorative fencing, irrigation or other items located within the right-of-way that will conflict with construction, the contractor will contact you regarding the conflict. If they are not removed, the contractor will remove and dispose of any of those items in the way of construction.